Neurological Deficit Assessment

The neurological function of rats was graded according to the Longa criteria [30], as follows: a score of 0 = normal condition, with no impairment; 1 = contralateral forelimb flexion, slight impairment; 2 = walking in circles leaning towards the paralyzed side, moderate impairment; 3 = difficulty in walking and falling to the contralateral side, severe impairment; 4 = decreased level of consciousness and no spontaneous activity. We chose rats at 2 points during the experiment to ensure that they had recovered from anesthesia, which was proved by the autonomous motion.